Blowpipe apparatus



Oct.'21, 1941. H. w. JONES BLOWPIPE APPARATUS Filed Jan. 6 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet l I NVENTOR HQMER W. JONES ATTORNEY Oct. 21, 1941. H. w. JONES BLOWPIPE APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 6, 1940 S m mm W m v m m i? M OY 1? H QN W7 o Q i? 3 3 a S o Q o s 5: M i? 0 Q. R. w 1% 0 T o MM omN F N R. 0 r L. 5 w a 5.; a w N v 1 a k a & Q o w 0 a R I! if] 0 & L l: n Q T s Q m i W Q RN vw g Oct. 21, 1941. H. w. JONE S 2,259,956

BLOWPIPE APPARATU S Filed Jan. 6, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR; HOMER W. JON ES ATTORNEY Oct. 21, 1941. H. w. JONES I BLOWPIPE APPARATUS Filed Jan. 6, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR 3 HOMER W. JONES ATTQRNEY- Oct. 21, 1941. l-i. w. JONES BLOWFYIPE APPARATUS Filed Jan. 6, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 iNVENTOR HOMER W. JONES ATTORNEY Y Oct. 21, 1941. w. JONES- 2,259,956

BLOWPIPE APPARATUS Filed Jan. 6, 1940 e Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR HOMER w. JONES ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 2T, 1941 P z,zs9,9st

UNITED] STATES- u PATENT OFFICE ..Homer W. Jones,Westfleld, N. 1., assign:- to The Y Linde Air Products Company, a corporation oi Ohio Application January 6; 1940, Serial 25 Claims; (Cl. 266-23) I This invention relates to blowpipe apparatus and suitable mechanism for rapidly positioning and moreparticularly to apparatus for rapidly severing elongated metal stock by means of a gas-cutting blowpipe.

" Billets and bars, and the like, are customarily cut while hotin steel mills by heavy shears or large mechanical saws. Such mechanical methods of cutting have a number of disadvantages such as; high power requirements, the necessity of providing heavy mechanism and foundations,

lack of 'flexibility and portability, the necessity ofirequent resharpenings or replacements of cutting edges, and the production of shear burrs and saw-burrs on the cut edges. It has been proposed to thermo-chemically sever metal bars while cold by an oxyacetylene blowpipe guided by hand or by a portable apparatus adapted to be mounted on round bars and to move the blowpipe in an arcuate path across the stock while maintaining the axis of the blowpipe vertical.

Blowpipeapparatus of the foregoing type does 'not provide a satisfactory means of cutting'if the stock has aheavy rectangular cross-section and while being cut is at a highly elevated temperature. While making the necessary adjustments of such apparatus, the operator is continually subjectedto heat from thestock. Further dim cultiesin adjusting the apparatus arise when it is desired to cut stocks of different diameters and when it desired to cut stocks which ar not" round in transverse cross-section but are sub-- stantially square or rectangular.

In order to sever the billets rapidly, it is desirable to mov the blowpipe relatively fast. Rapid movement, however, tends to cause the lower portions of the kerf-to' lag behind the upper portions and when the kerf reaches the edge of the work an uncut lower corner portion willremairi.

To completely sever the'metal and at the same time move the blowpipe at a relatively high cutting speed, theblowpipe is not maintained vertical, throughout the cut but is forwardly inclined initially, and backwardly inclined at the finishing endor the keri'. This change of inclination counteracts the effect of accumulating cutting lag so that the billet is completely severed at high speed. Suchmethod cutting is described edgeto the other edge'at a relatively rapid rate;

heated bar stock.

apparatus that may b quickly and justed to cut stocks of difierent cross-sectional the blowpipe to start a'cut, for automatically shutting off the gases on the completion of a cut, ior reguiatingthe degree of angularity of the blowpipe, and fo'rcontrolling the operatidn of the blowpipe at a safe distance from highly The principal controlled by the operator at asafe dist nce fromthe work when highly heated; to provide such simply addimensions'; to provide such an apparatus including means for automatically imparting trans-- verse and arcuate, motion to a gas-cutting blowpipe to'insure quick starting of the cut and complete severance of the stock, to provide apparatus including means for automatically supplying an oxidizing gas to saidblowpipe and means for interrupting said supply at the completion of the cut, and'to provide an apparatus including means, operative in predetermmedsequence, to control the transverse motion 0! said blowpipe.

, The manner in which these and other objects are attained'by the invention. will be apparent from the following description and drawings in which: a,

Fig.1 is a front view, partly broken away, of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

' cutting apparatus; 1

Fig. 2 is a plan view, partly broken-away-,ofthe apparatus shown in Fig. 1; a

Fig. 3 is a view oi'a cross -sectionof the appa-. I

ratus takenon the line 3-4 of Fi 2; Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the valve and clutch operating mechanism;

. Fig. 5 is a fragmentary detail'view of the blowpipe supporting mechanism of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is an eievationai view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention; EFig V is a plan view of the apparatus shown in 8.- l a Fig. 8 is a view of a transverse section'tak'en on the -line l --l oi Fig. 7: I Fig. 9'is a perspective view of anotherembodiment ofthe invention in the format a portable Fig; 10 is a side elevational-view of the anparatus shown in Fig. 9; and

- Fig. 11 is a rear elevational viewwith partsbroken away of the apparatus shown in Fig. 9.

. shaft II, whichmaybeeffectedbya The present invention will be described with respect to the cutting of solid elongated metal stock of square or rectangular cross-section. but it will be apparent as the description proceeds that the apparatus may be advantageously em ployed for cutting other shapes of ferrous metal.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, ferred embodiment of the invention comprises an elongated frame P which is adapted to be supported over the stock W in a position extending transversely over said stock. A carriage-C whichpivotally supports a gas-cutting blowpipe B in proper working relation to the stock W is mounted on the frame 1" and movable longitudinally therealong. During the cutting operation the carriage travels at a predetermined speed thus carrying the blowpipe B across the top surface of the stock W at the desired relatively fast cut-' the blowpipe B for preheating the edge of the stock W is provided by' movement of the piston previous one, the position of the frame 1 may be conveniently altered by rotating thecrank 2'.-

A clamp (notshown) may be provided on the right-hand carriage It so that the frame .Rzmay be se ely locked in the desired position. A cover- 0 may be provided across the topflif 'the frame F at each end and-secured to the top edges of the sides I! and It in order to protect the aircylinders D and T, and to enable the operator to walk on the frame F for making repairs to the carriage C. r Y The carriage 0 comprises a box-like frame or housing it provided with fourwheels n which rod it of an air pressure operated cylinder D against one end of the carriage C. The motion of the carriage C at cutting speed over the stock W during the actual cutting of said stock is provided by a motor (not shown) whichis mounted within, and adapted to propel, the carriage C. At the completion-of the cut the carriage C is returned to its initial position by movement of the piston rod ll of an air cylinder T which is mounted on the frame F to act against the otheriend of said carriage. An air operated cylinder H mounted on the carriage 'C actuates a link mechanism indicated generally at R.

' which in turn actuates a valve l3 controlling the I I supply of cutting oxygen to the blowpipe B and also actuatesa clutch mechanism (not shown) within the housing of the carriage C and which controls the motion of the carriage C.

The frame F comprises a U-shaped channel having a bottom it and sides It and It (Fig. 3) and is supported at each extremity by carriages I1 and I8, respectively. The carriages l1 and It are provided with flanged wheels I! which are adapted to run on parallel tracks extending longitudinally parallel with respect to the stock W and supported 'upon suitable foundations II. A transverse shaft 22 supported at its center by a bearing 23 interconnects the rear flanged wheels I! of the carriages "and II. One-end of the transversesl aft 22 is rigidly fixed to a worm gear (not shown) enclosed in a gear housing 24 (Fig. 2). and which meshes with a worm (not shown) on a vertical shaft 2!. Rotation of the vertical 2t, imparts longitudinal motion al the rails ft to the carriages i1 and it simultaneously. thereby adjusting the position of frame I' with respect to the work W. A sc'ale 21, adjustably mounted on the right-hand rail 20,- and a pointer ,jll rigidly fixed to the carriage I! provide a {,means for-indicating-the position of the frame f! along the rails and thereby provide a gauge for determining the position of the blowpipe lengthwise of the work W so that predetermined lengths of stock may be cut 'oil'. Also if a cut has been started but not completed for some reason, and

handle a uided on a track ,3! extending along the inner bottom surface it of the frame It. The.

track If hasthe form of an I-beam, the flanges forming the rails on which the wheels ll travel. Mounted within the housing II are a motor and a clutch mechanism (not shown) which are connected to the wheels 31 andadap'ted to propel said carriage along the track If. A carriage havinternal mechanism suitable forthe purposes of the present invention is described in United- States Patent 2,183,605 of J. H. Bucknam and A. J. Miller. Motion of the carriage C, as previously mentioned, to a point where the blowpipe B is brought into position to preheat the edge of the stock W is provided by movement of the piston red It pf the air cylinder D against the carriage C. A cross-bar 33 secured to the end of the carriage housing It acts as a bumper to .contact with a similar cross-bar ll fastened to the end of the piston rod l0 and adapted to slide along the track 32. A similar cross-bar 3B is secured to the piston rod ll of the cylinder T.

The blowpipe B is supported onlthe carriage C I by an L-shapedbracket I6 having a horizontal leg secured to the top of the housing 30, and a vertical leg depending downwardly a small distance in front of, the side member ll. At the lower end of the bracket is mounted a short horizontal shaft 31 which is parallel to the rails 20 and the work W andhas portions extending forwardly and rearwardly of' the bracket 36. Pivoted at its lower end to .the forwardly extending portion of the shaft 31 is an upwardly extending L-shaped arm 38 having an upper portion 39 that extends to the left beyond the bracket 36 The arm portion 39 is provided with a roller I on its rear side for engagement with a .cam bar 4| secured to the side It at a predetermined angle to the horizontal. A blowpipe holder 42 is adjustablysecured in a horizontal socket 43 and supports the blowpipe B so that it may be angularly and vertically adJustable, the vertical adjustment being provided by a rotatable pinion N that engages a longitudinal rack 45 along the blowpipe. To prevent swinging of the blowpipe left an adjustable stop screw carried by a provglection of bracket II isprovided to engage the lower side of the arm ll. This stop screw it is regulated to adjust the blowpipe B at the desired angle for initiating a cut. 4

The clutch and valve operating mechanism R which is mounted on the carriage housing It comprises a transverse shaft 41 mtatably mounted in two bearings ll (Fig. 2) which are rigidly fastened to the top of the housing ll. At a point intermediatethe bearings ll, an arm it is rigidly fastened at one of its ends to said shaft and at its other end ispivotally connected to a link I which is in turn pivotally connected to the piston rod Ii of the air cylinder H. Movement of the it is desired to start .-a new cut adjacent to the piston rod Ii will thus impart rotation to the shaft .41, the direction of rotation being dependent on the direction of travel of said piston rod. A second arm 621s rigidly secured to the forward extremity of the shaft 41. A guide finger 63 '(Figs. l and which is pivotally'mounte'd on the rearward extension of the shaft 31 is connected at a point near the shaft 61 to the arm 62 through a link 64. When the shaft 41 is rotated counter-clockwise. the finger 63 is lowered, andwhenshaft 4 1 is rotated, clockwise, the finger 63 is raised. Therefore, if air is admitted to the right-hand end of cylinder H the finger 63 will be lowered, and 'if air is admitted into the left-hand end of the cylinder H, the finger .63 will be raised clear of the stock W.

In the embodiment of the invention described herein the preheating gases are not interrupted between individual cuts but'only at the comple tion of the entire cutting operation. The flow of cutting oxygen is, however, interrupted at the completion of each out. To control the fiow of cutting oxygen a lever-operated valve i3, (Fig. 4) provided with a horizontal stem 55 rotation of which controls the flow of gas, is mounted on the top of the carriage housing 36. A lever 56 is secured at a point intermediate its extremities its extremities to a bearing 66 on one end of the carriage housing 36. The latching member 61 comprises a vertical leg 66 and'a horizontal leg 10 which is notched at its extremity, An ex- 1 the horizontal leg 10' will engage the edge of the.

carriage housing 66 and thus maintain the valve lever 66 in the orf position andoxygen will continue to fiow to the cutting blowpipe-B. Engagement of the latching member 10 also serves to maintain the clutch lever 69 in the forward position so that, the clutch cannot be disengaged until the latching member 16 assumesits initial position. a

To control the flow of air under pressure to the cylinder T which serves to return the carriage C cut, a rod 13 is slidably supported adjacent to to the stem 55. A rod 51 is pivotally connected at one end to the lower end of the lever 56. The

other end of said rod supports a spring housing or cup 58 which is adapted to fit over the upper ball-shaped end of a clutch lever 59 extending upwardly from the housing 30. The clutch lever 59 actuates the clutch mechanism in the. housing 60 which engages the' drive motor of the carriage C with the driving wheels 3|. A spring 60 is mounted within said cup to act as a cushion if the clutch teeth do not immediately mesh when the clutch lever 59 is shifted.

To impart motion to the rod 61 which connects the clutch lever 69 and the valve-operating lever and along the track 32 (Fig. 2). One end of the rod 13 is pivotally connected to the handle ll of 1 an air valve 16 which is mounted at the rightare contacted by a bracket 16 rigidly fastened to .56, an arm 6! (Fig. 4)-is provided rigidly fasv tened to thejtransverse shaft 41. A-latch 62 is "pivotally mounted on the end of arm 6| at a .pointintermediate the ends of said latch. A tension spring 63 has one end secured to the side of the arm and its other end to the rear end of the latch 62 and serves to exerta downward pressure at the forwardly extended end of said latch so that it contacts a stop collar 64 which is adjustbly mounted on the rod 51. When the clutch i -mechanism in housing 30 is disengaged, the

. clutch lever 59 will be in the position shown by solid lines on Fig. 4 and the latch'62 will be in .i a position to contact the stop 64. When the,

' transverse shaft 41 is rotated in a clockwise direction. due to entrance of air into theleft-hand end of the cylinder H, the latch 62 will press against the stop 64, thereby causing the rod 61 to move to the left. Motion of the-rod 61 to the left also moves the clutchlever 56 to the left (sho by brokenlines in Fig. 4) to engage the clutc and thus to 'move the carriage C across the stock W at cutting speed. When the stop 64 V and the latch 62 have moved to the positions indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 4, further turning of the transverse shaft 41 will have no effect on the clutch lever 59 or valve I3. I

The movement of the'rod 51 also actuates the Evalve lever .56 and thus introduces a supply of cutting oxygen to the blowpipe B. To maintain the valve lever 56 in the "on position during tfh cutting operation, it is pivotally connected through a link 65 and a vertical lever 66 to a latching member 61. The vertical lever 66 (Fig. 4) is pivotally mounted ata point intermediate hand position of the frame F. provided with two stop collars l6 and 11 which the carriage housing 30. The bracket 16 slidably encloses the rod 13 at a point intermediate the two stops l6 and 11 so that when the blowpipe B has completely traversed the work the bracket 16 contacts the leftward stop 16 and moves the rod '16 to the left. This movement actuates the 'valve handle I6 and admits air to theleft-hand end of the air cylinder T, thus causing the piston rod ii to move to the right. The piston rod ll oi cylinder T moves the cross-bar 65, guided by the track 32, against the vertical leg 69 (Fig.

4:) of the latching member 61, compressing the spring II and releasing the notch orthe leg 10 from the edge of the housing 3ll.' Further movement of the cross-member 66 to the right pivots the vertical lever 66 against the stop 12 and the right which reverses thevalve and causes air to fiow into theright-hand end'of the cylinder T thus returning the piston rod II and the crossbar 36 to their normal retracted positions. An extension the rod is also pivotally connected to the valve handle H so that if for any-'- reason the operator desires to return the carriage C to its initial position after a out; has been started but not completed he may do soby pushing the handle ll to the left thus attaining the effect of contact of the bracket 16 with the stop 16.

The now of air to they cylinders D and H is controlled by a three-position air'valve 60 controlling. four air lines, two of which are connected to the cylinder H and two of which are connected to the cylinder D. The valve 66 i'sso constructed that when air is admitted to one end of either of the air cylinders D or H the opposite ends of said cylinders will be connected to exhaust ports. The valve 60 is operated by a hand lever 8| mov- The rod 13 isv able into any of three positions, the central position being the inoperative or shunt position and ,the extreme positions operating'the cylinders D and H. The work W which may be a rectangular billet is preferably supported upon rollers 92 of a conveyor. The frame, roll driving means, and

aasaosc thereby moving the valve handle I4 to admit air -to the left-hand end of air"cyli'nder T. The

' piston rod Ii (Fig. 2) and therefore the crossin, assuming that the carriage C is in its re- 'tracted or normal position, that all adjustments have'been 'made and the preheating'gasesvhave been ignited, is as follows: I

-The operatoropens the valve 89 by moving 'lever, 8| to one extreme position to admit air to the right-hand ends of the air cylinders D and H. The air cylinder His not. throttled, therefore, its

. piston immediately moves to the left. Such movement turns the transverse shaft 41 in a counter-clockwise direction which lowers the finger 53 and positions the latch 62 to the rear of the stop 64. During this operation, the carriage C is being moved to the left by the pressure of piston rod I9 of the air cylinder D against the bumper 33 of the carriage. Motion of the carriage C continues until the finger '93 contacts the edge of the stock W thus effectively preventing further motion of the carriage by the cylinder D. The blowpipe B has previously been adjusted so that the nozzle end will be the proper distance above the work surface. The stop screw 46 will also have been adjusted so that the blowpipe is inclined forwardly a desired degree to provide rapid starting of the out.

When, in the operators judgment, a portion of the edge of the stock w has become heated to its ignition temperature, the operator reverses the valve 99 to its opposite extreme position which member moves to the right and contacts the latching member 99 thus causing the horizontal leg I9 of said member to disengage the edge of the carriage housing 39. Further movement of the piston rod. H pivots the vertical lever 99 which moves the link 99 to interrupt the flow of cutting oxygen, and also moves the clutch lever '99 to disengage the .clutch mechanism. The lower extremity of the vertical lever 93 is not capable ofmovement farther than the stop I2, therefore, further pressure of the cross-member 39 against said lever causes the carriage C-to return to its retracted or normal position.

When the carriage C reaches its normal position the bracket I9 contacts the stop 11 and actuates the valve handle 14 thus causing air to enter the right-hand end of the cylinder T which .returns the piston rod II to its normal position.

This completes the cutting cycle.

A second arrangement of apparatus, according to the invention, is illustrated in Figs. 6, 7, and8,

in which the I-beam shaped track I32 is shown stat'ionarily supported upon supporting columns 99 and the motor-driven carriage C is mounted on the track at a substantial distance away from the blowpipe supporting mechanism. The housing I39 of the carriage C is provided with an upwardly extending bracket M to which is pivoted a pair of elongated arms 92 that extend for a now introduces-air into the other ends of the air cylinders D and H, thus causing the rod I9 of the cylinder D to move to the right to its normal position, and causing the piston rod 9| of the cylinder H to move to the right for rotating the transverse shaft 41 in the clockwise direction.

.to the blowpipe B and locks the latching member 19. The shaft 41 continues to turn in a clockwise direction a sufficient distance for the latch 92 to slip past the stop 64. As the carriage C continues to move automatically across the stock W at cutting speed, the roller 49 contacts the upper cam surface of the bar 4| and slowly tilts the blowpipe B back through the vertical position to a rearwardly inclined position, the

cam 4| being set so that the blowpipe will have the proper inclination to completely sever the billet. v

When the blowpipe B has completely traversed the stock W the bracket I9 contactsthe stop I9 substantial distance along the track I32 to a point over the surface of the billet W. The right-hand. ends of the arms 92 are pivotally connectedwith the frame 93 of an auxiliary carriage C. The fram 93 extends'transversely of the track I32 and has secured at each end thereof triangular-end plates 94 and 99. The end plates and 95 depend Q a dly from the"'fram"' 3 member 93 adjacent the outside surfaces of the flanges 99and 91 of thetrack I32. The triangular plates 94 and 99 are joined by three axles 99, two of which are above the track I32 and carry flanged wheels 99 that run on the upper edges of the flanges 94 and 91 and one axle below the track I32 which carries wheels I99 that engage, with the lower edges of the track I32. The triangular plate 94 h an outwardly extending pivot I9I extendin therefrom upon which is Journaled an upwardly extending arm I39 to' the upper endof which is-adjustably secured a holder I92. The holder I92 encircles a a horizontal bar I93 which is provided with a rack I94 along its upper surface. The holder- I92 I also provided with a pinion I99 warmest with the rack I94 and which may be rotated'ib horizontally adjust the bar I93 and thereby regulate the distance of the blowpipe B from the track I32. At the outer end of the bar I93 is adjustab y secured the blowpipe holder I42 by which the blowpipe B maybe angularly positioned and vertically adjusted by turning the pinion I44 that meshes with the rack I49 along the blowpipe. The pivoted end of the arm I39 is provided with a boss to which is adjustably secured the end of a laterally extending arm I39, the

outer end of which is pivoted to a slider I99 that bers I91 and I99 are joined at each end by axles I99 extending transversely above and below the track I32 and having flanged wheels I II that are plate 94 and the flange 96; thereby the carriage zontal.

ignition temperature.

- surface of the billet. If the billet should not be As the blowpipe moves to the left' the cam bar I will move the end of the arm I39 upward C may travel throughout the length of the ,carriage C" between its axles I99. The cam bar I is mounted on the side plate 191, being pivoted thereto at one end I II and vertically adjustable thereon at its other end by an adjusting l I screw 2 which threadedly engages a projection of the side member I91.

Thus, by turning the screw H2, the cam bar I may be adjusted to have the'desired angle with respect to the hori- The position of the carriage C" on the track I32 may be changed as desired by the operator by a handle I I-3 secured to the left-hand end of a rod H4, the right-hand of which is secured to the side member I91. The position of the carriage C" is locked by tightening a clamp H5 secured to the track I32 and arranged to clamp the bar H4 as desired. To turn the pinion I95 and thus regulate the position of the blowpipe B longitudinally with respect to the billet W, the pinion is secured to an extension shaft 6 that extends to-the left to a position adjacent the carriage C where it is supported by a bracket lll extending laterally from the arm 92. The end of the shaft 6 is provided with a hand wheel H8. To adjust the vertical position of the blowpipe B, the pinion I44 is provided with an elongated operating shaft 9 also extending to and supported by the bracket I H. The shaft H9 is provided with a hand wheel I29. The conduits supplying gases to the blowpipe B (which are not shown in the interests of clearness of the drawings) may be provided with control valves at a point convenient to an operator adjacent the carriage C. i

To operate the apparatus just described for severing a billet, the operator will move the ham dle H3- to properly position the carriage C with respect to the work W and lock the carriage C" in that position by tightening the clamp 5. By means of the handwheels H9 and I29 and by positioning the carriage 0 along the trackl32, the operator will position the blowpipe B at the right-hand edge of the work W for preheating a portion of the edge of the work to an When the blowpipe is properly positioned and preferably forwardly inclined, the preheating gases are turned on and the heating flames will be ignited by the hot hot enough, however, other means such as a pilot flame maybe employed to effect ignition. When.

in the operator's judgment the metal at the edge of the work has been sufflciently heated, the oxidizing gas will be turned on and the clutch lever I59 shifted to engage the motor in. the carriage- C with the wheels I of the carriage so that. the carriage will move to the left at the'desired cutting speed and pull the carriage C with the blowpipe thereon to the left at cutting speed to sever the billet W. When the blowpipe B is. positioned at the right edge of the work W' it will be forwardly tilted at the desired angle.

and progressively tilt the blowpipe back to the vertical position and then tilt it to a rearward inclination which is suflicient to completely sever the work W when the blowpipe reaches the flnishing end of the kerf which position is shown in the drawing. Because of this change of. an-

gular relation, the blowpipe may be moved at a relatively high cutting speed so that rapid and complete'severance of the billet may be obtained. As soon as the blowpipe completes the kerf, the operator will shut oi! the gases and shift the clutch lever I59 into the neutral position. The billet W may then be removed or repositioned for another out. y

In Figs. 9 to 11, inclusive, is illustrated a further embodiment in the form of a portable cutting apparatus which is adapted to bemovedto and placed upon the billets to be cut.

This apparatus comprises a frame F having a base portion 2l9 that is adapted to rest on the top surface of a billet and to provide a tread upon which an operator may stand. The forward portion of the base has two uprights 2| I wheels 299 which engage the upper way 2| 2 and a flanged wheel 299adapted to engage the lower way 2l2. The carriage member 294 is provided .with a laterally extending pivot 29l upon which is pivoted the laterally extending arm 239. The outer end of the arm 239 is pivoted to the slider 206 that encloses and slides along the cam bar The cam bar 2 is pivoted at one end to a pivot 2I3 atone end of the track 232 and is supported at its other end by a bolt 2, the position of which may be vertically adjusted along a slot 2l5 cut through the track 232. The upright arm 233 is clamped to the hub portion of the arm 239 and at its upper end there is pivotally secured the blowpipe holder 242.

The means for driving the carriage member 294 along the track 232 comprises a rack 2l6 (Fig. 11) mounted at the upper portion of the member 294 and extending along the rear sideof the track 232. The rack 2i9 meshes with a pinion 2|! joumaled on a shaft extending lat-' erally from the back of the track 232. A worm,

the carriage member 294 for quick adjustment,- the. shaft 223 is secured to the mid portion of a bar 224 that is pivoted at one end .to the back of the track 232\ and is vertically movable at its other end by a bell crank 225.- The bell crank 225 is pivoted to the back of the track 232 and has an arm 223 which is slotted for engagement with a pin 221 on the'end of the bar 224. A spring 223 may be provided to maintain the pinion 2" in engagement with the rack 2l3.

To operate the apparatus shown in Figs. 9 to 11, inclusive, the operator places the device on top of the billet to be out in aposition so that the blowpipe is lon itudinally in the position where the keri' is to be made. The operator then holds the crank 22! to thetrlght so that the pinion 2Il' is disengaged from the rack 2l9 andv shifts the carriage member.294'so that the blowpipe nozzle is accurately located with respect to the edge of the work. The heating gasesare then .turned on and ignited. when the edge of the billet has reached the ignition temperature the oxidizing gas is turned on and the crank handle 222 is rotated at the proper speed to traverse the'blowpipe across the work at the desired cutting speed. When the blowpipe completes the cut the gases are shut off and the device moved to a position for making another cut. During the cutting the slider 208 moving along the cam bar I will raise the end of the arm 23. so as to gradually change the inclination of the blowpipe B from 'a forward inclination at the beginning of the cut to a backward inclination at the flnish of the cut.

In the copending earlier iiled application, Serial No. 303,188 of George H. Smith and Lloyd-W. Young. there is described and claimed a blowpipe apparatus for severing bar stock including a track disposed transversely, of the stock; a carriage movable along the. track; a blowpipe supported on the carriage in position to direct gas against the stock; and means including the track for continuously changing the angular position of the blowpipe with respect to a transverse axis of said stock during the cutting operation. According to the disclosures of such copending application, the change of angular position is accomplished by an arrangement other than by a cam dvice disposed adjacent the track which device can be adjusted independently oi the track as described herein, and furthermore the angle change provided according to such copending ap-, plication is opposite in character to that provided according to the present invention.

pipes other than kerf-cutting blowpipes such as said blowpipe and the direction of movement of said carriage so that as the blowpipe approaches the finish portion of the cut, its axis will be inclined backwardiy sufficiently to insure complete severence of the body irrespective of.an accumulated cutting lag.

3. Apparatus for thermo-chemically cutting ferrous metal bodies as claimed in claim 2 in which said mechanism includes a blowpipe holder pivotally mounted on said carriage; and means for tilting the holder about said pivotal mounting.

4. Apparatus for thermo-chemically cutting ferrous metal bodies which comprises blowpipe means for projecting oxidizing 8 8 against a surface of such body; a carriage; means for supporting and guiding said carriage in a f tion parallel to said surface; and mechanism for supporting said blowpipe on said carriage in a position for making a cut in said surface, such mechanism including a blowpipe holder pivotally ,mounted on said carriage, a cam on said carriage 5. Apparatus for theme-chemically cutting ferrous metal bodies which comprises blowpipe means for projecting oxidizing 88s against a surface of such body: a carriage: means for supporting and guiding said carriage in a direction parallel to said surface: and mechanism for supporting said blowpipe on said carriage in a position for making a cut in said surface. such mechanism including a member pivotally mounted on employed .to operativelysupport-andmove blowflame machining, heating, and welding blowpipes.

Iclaim: 1. Apparatus for theme-chemically cutting ferrous metal bodies which comprises blowpipe means for projecting oxidizing gas against a surface of such body; a carriage; means for supporting and guiding said carriage in a directionparallel to said surface; and mechanism for sun- I porting said blowpipe on said carriage in a position for making a cut in said surface. such mechanism including means for varying the angular inclination of the axis of said blowpipe with respect to said surface during movement of said carriage and blowpipe thereon from a.forward inclination at the starting end of the cut to a rearward inclination at the finish portion of- I surface of such body; a carriage; means for-supporting and guiding said carriage in a direction parallel to said surface: and mechanism for supporting said blowpipe on said carriage in a posi tion for making a cut in said surface, such mechanism including means operative during the cutting movement for varying 'the angular relation said carriage for adjustment about an axis parallel to said surface, a blowpipe holder adjustably secured on said member,'a cam on said carriage supporting means, and a cam follower secured to said memberand adapted to engage saidscam to swing said member and blowpipe about said horiaontal axis during the cutting movement for varying the angular relation between the successive positions of the axis of said blowpipe and the initial position of such axis so that as the-blowpipe approaches the finish portion of the out. its axis will be inclined backwardly sufficiently to .insure completeseverance of the body irrespective of an accumulated cutting lag.

6. Apparatus for thermo-chemically cutting ferrous metal bodies which comm-ism afra'me having ways thereon substantially parallel to a surface of said body; a carriage adapted to move along said ways; means for moving said carriage along said ways at a cutting speed: a member pivotally mounted on said carriage and pivotal about an axis substantially parallel to said surface; a blowpipe adjustably moimted on said member in a position to project a cutting stream against said surface; and a device on said frame adapted to en age said member for tilting said member and the blowpipe thereon. a desired degree during the cutting movement.

7. Apparatus for thermo-chemically cutting ferrous metal bodies. as claimed in claim 6 in which said device comprises a bar secured to said frame and having a cam surface engageable with follower means on said member.

between the successive positions of the axis of 8. Apparatus for theme-chemically cutting v gages said edge; and means for retra ferrous metal bodies as claimed in claim 6 in which said device comprises a bar angularly supported on said frame, and a slider adapted to slide along said bar, said slider being pivotally connected with said member.

9. Apparatus for 'thermo-chemically cutting ferrous metal bodies as claimed in claim] 6 in which said device comprises a cam bar adjustably supported on said frame for adjustment with respect thereto in a direction parallel to said ways, said bar having a cam surface engageable with follower means on said member.

10. Apparatus for thermo-chemically cutting ferrous metal bodies as claimed in claim 6 in which said device comprises a cam bar angularly supported on said frame, said cam bar being pivotally mounted -at one end and adjustably secured at its other end whereby the angular relation of the cam surface of said bar with respect to the direction of movement of said speed.

15. Apparatus for thermo-chemically cutting ferrous metal bodies as claimed in claim 12 which includes means for automatically supplying oxidizing gas to said blowpipe operable by said means for retracting the guide finger; means for maintaining such gas supply during the cutting movement of the carriage; and means for automatically stopping the supply of oxidizing gas to said blowpipe and for relatively rapidly moving said carriage back to its initial position after the completion of the cut.

carriage may be varied, said cam surface being carriage along said frame; and a cam bar having,

a cam surface angularly adjustable on said auxiliary carriage, said camsurface being adapted to engage with follower means on said member.

12. Apparatus for thermo-chemically cutting ferrous metal bodies which comprlses'a frame having ways thereon substantially parallel to a surface of said body; a carriage adapted to move along said ways; means for moving said carriage along said ways at a cutting speed; a cutting blowpipe; mechanism for supporting 'said blowpipe on said carriage in a position for making a cut in a surface of said body beginning at one edge thereof; a guide finger movably mounted on said carriage-and adapted to be positioned frame having ways thereon substantially parallel to a surface of said body; a carriage adapted to move along said ways; means for moving said carriage along said ways at a uniform operating.

speed; blowpipe means; mechanism for supporting said blowpipe means on said carriage in a position for applying gas to a surface of said body beginning at one edge thereof; a guide finger movably mounted on said carriage and adapted to be positioned for engaging said edge of the surface when said blowpipe means is in such operating position with respect to said edge: means for relatively rapidly moving said carriage along said ways until said finger ening said guide finger out of the edge engagin position when said carriage is moved along the ways at said operating speed.

14. Apparatus for thermo-chemically cutting ferrous metal bodies as claimed in claim '12 in which said blowpipe supporting mechanism includes means for varying .the angular relation of said blowpipe with respect to said surface 16. Apparatus for thermo-chemically cutting ferrous metal bodies which comprises a frame having ways thereon substantially-parallel to a surface of said body; a carriage adapted to move along said ways; means for moving said carriage along said ways at a cutting speed; a cutting blowpipe; mechanism for supporting said blow- Pipe on said carriage-in a position for making a cut in a surface of said body beginning at one edge thereof; a guide finger movably mounted on said carriage and adapted to be positioned for engaging said edge of the surface when said blowpipe is in an operating position with respect to said edge; three-position valve means; pneumatic means operable in one position of said valve means for advancing said carriage along said ways to a position where said finger engages said edge; a second pneumatic means operable in another position of said valve means and connected to retract said guide finger; an oxidizing gas 'valve for controlling the supply of oxidiz ing gas to said blowpipe; mechanism for opening said oxidizing gas valve when said second pneumatic means retracts said finger and for starting said carriage moving means to advance said carriage at cutting speed for making a out, said mechanism being provided with locking means for holding saidoxidizing gas valve open during the cutting movement; a third pneumatic means operable to move said carriage back to its initial position; an air valve operable by said carriage reaching the position in which the cut is completed, said valve being connected to supply air to said third pneumatic means. and means for causing the operation of said .third pneumatic means to release said locking means and operate said mechanism to close said oxidizing gas valve before said carriage is returned to its initial position. I

1'7. Apparatus for thermo-chemically cutting ferrous metal bodies which comprises a conveyor for horizontally supporting and longitudinally moving said body; means for stopping the movement of said body along the conveyor at a predetermined position; a frame extending-transversely over said body and having horizontal ways thereon: a horizontal-track disposed parallel to the direction of movement of said body; means for supporting said frame on said track for movement therealong; a cutting blowpipe; a carriage forsaid blowpipe movable along said ways for moving said blowpipe at cutting speed transversely across said body; and means for accurately positioning said frame along said track to adjust the position of said blowpipe longitudinally, of said billet whereby equal lengths .may be successively cut from said billet. 18. Apparatus for thermo-chemically cutting along said ways; means for moving said carriage during the movement of said carriage at cuttingalong said ways at a cutting speed; a second carriage mounted on said ways at a substantial distance from said first-named carriage and being disposed adjacent said body; means connecting said carriages whereby said first-named carriage may drive said second carriage along the frame; a cutting blowpipe; mechanism for supporting'said blowpipe on said second carriage in a position for making a cut in a surface of said body beginning at one edge thereof; and means for adjusting the position of said blowpipe on said supporting mechanism operable from a position-adjacent said first-mentioned carriage.

19. Apparatus for thermo-chemically cutting ferrous metal bodies as claimed in claim 18 in which said mechanism includes means for varying the angular relation of said blowpipe with respect to said surface during the movement of said carriages at cutting speed.

20. Apparatus fori-thermo-chemically cutting ferrous metal bodies as claimed in claim 18 in which said mechanism includes a member pivotally mounted on said second carriage for movement about an axis substantially parallel to said surface, said blowpipe being adiustably mounted on said member; and in which a device is supported on said frame and arranged to engage said member for tilting said member and the blowpipe thereon about said axis a desired degree during the cutting movement,

21. Apparatus for thermoq-chemicaliy cutting ferrous metal bodies as claimed in claim 18 which includes a third carriage movable along said frame; means operable from a position adjacent said first carriage for positioning said third carriage on said frame; and a cam mounted on said third carriage, said mechanism including a mem- 23. Blowpipe apparatus which comprises a frame having a track member provided with at leastone upper way and at least one lower way, said ways being substantially parallel to a surface of said body and to each other; a blowpipe carriage adapted to move along said track memher, said carriage being provided with at least three flanged wheels two of said wheels being arranged-to engage to run on one of said ways and at least one of "said wheels being arranged to engage and run on the opposite one of said ways; blowpipe means; and mechanism for supporting said blowpipe means on said carriage in an operative position for projecting gas against saidsurface, said mechanism including means for varying the angular relation of said blowpipe with respect to said surface during movement of said carriage along said ways.

24. Blowpipe apparatus which comprises a frame having a track member provided with at least one upper way and at least one lower way, said ways being substantially parallel to a surface of said body and to each other; a blowpipe means; a blowpipe carriage having a side plate substantially parallel to said track and at least three flanged wheels mounted on one side of said side plate, two of said wheels being. arranged to engage and track on said upper way and at least one of said wheels being arranged to engage and track on said lower way; and mechanism ..on the side-of saidplate opposite to the side on which said wheels are mounted for operatively supporting said blowpipe means on the carriage, said mechanism including means for varying the angular relation of said blowpipe with-respect to said-surface during movement of said. car-' riage along said ways.

25. Blowpipe apparatus which comprises a supporting frameinciuding a track having spaced apart parallel upper and lower ways, said ways being disposed parallel to a surface of said body;

. a blowpipe carriage adapted to move along said and adapted to be moved into and out of enriage-in an operative position at one side of said track, said mechanism including means for varying the angular relation of said blowpipelwith respect to said surface during movement of said carriage along said ways.

HOMER W. JONES. 

